Insider Daytrader, Seaside’s Newest Tiki Bar And Restaurant

30A, a scenic two-lane road in the Florida Panhandle dotted with picturesque beach neighborhoods, has no shortage of cool beach bars, but a splashy newcomer in Seaside is already making waves. The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant, from local restauranteur Nikhil Abuvala, calls itself a “fever dream of island fantasia.”

The Daytrader, which officially opened at the end of May, is serving up a Polynesian-inspired menu. You’ll find small plates like Tuna Crispy Rice (featuring Gulf tuna, honey chili aioli and lava salt), Spam Musubi (made with oyster sauce and furikake) and Maui Fries (topped with black angus beef and tamari gravy). Bigger bites include the Sloppy Koa (an elevated sloppy joe with grilled pineapple slaw and a Hawaiian bun), Pan Seared Gulf Fish (served with pineapple fried rice and charred bok choy) and Huli Huli Chicken. “When we decided to focus on Polynesia, it was important to me that we highlight all the islands that make up that region,” Abuvala said in a press release. “Being a tiki bar, of course you’ll find plenty of Hawaiian influences throughout our menu, but you’ll also discover Filipino, Vietnamese and other coastal Asian flavors in both the dishes and cocktail program. And of course, I am always heavily influenced by the never-ending supply of fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the exceptional products we source from our regional farmer and purveyor partners.” Daytrader is Abuvala’s fourth restaurant concept in the area, joining the ranks of Roux 30A, Nanbu Noodle Bar and Nanbu Too.

On the drinks front, there are (unsurprisingly) a variety of eclectic specialty cocktails to choose from—with quirky names and vintage glassware to boot. The drink menu was created in collaboration with beverage consultant Greg Genias of BootlegGreg Cocktail Co., who took inspiration from the American tiki bar movement of the early 20th century. There’s the Cookie-Lada, a twist on a classic piña colada served in a fish-shaped mug; the Rumpanion, a sweet rum-based drink with fruit juices served in a pineapple-shaped glass; and the Daytrader Remedy, a fruity Medical Mai Tai served in an IV solution bag for guests to pour over ice. All of the cocktails on the menu are made with fresh-pressed juice (squeezed daily) and sugarcane that’s macerated in-house.

The restaurant’s design brings the menu to life and takes advantage of Daytrader’s beachside location. Here, Abuvala partnered with Jonathan Douglas & Associates for architectural and exterior design and Stantec on interior design and landscape architecture to achieve that modern tiki, escapism-focused atmosphere. Inside there’s bold floral wallpaper, and wood shelves displaying salt-rusted tchotchkes and other quirky treasures from antique and thrift stores selected by Abuvala’s wife and restaurant stylist, Hannah Grace Alford-Abuvala. “The design incorporates funky colored furnishings and warm wood-toned tiki influences to heighten the individuality and personality of The Daytrader,” Jeanette Carter, interior design principal at Stantec, said in a press release. “Our team mixed bold patterned wallcoverings, playful pink tile and layers of woven basket lighting to achieve a modern meets tiki experience.” The airy beachside terrace, by contrast, is an outdoor oasis flanked by lush greenery and a reed roof. Most of the restaurant’s 130 seats are in covered outdoor spaces to take advantage of the beautiful Florida weather.

Whether you’re on vacation, taking a summer Friday, or just looking for a cool restaurant with killer food and drinks, The Daytrader has you covered. The combination of Gulf seafood with Polynesian cuisine and tasty, Instagram-worthy drinks in a stylish space makes this trendy spot feel right at home in the iconic Seaside neighborhood.